Mosquito-Borne Diseases

Collin County collaborates with local cities to conduct surveillance activities for West Nile Virus and other mosquito-borne diseases such as Chikungunya, Zika and Dengue. Currently there are no locally acquired cases of Chikungunya, Zika or Dengue in Collin County. Mosquito bite prevention is the best way to prevent the spread of mosquito-borne diseases.

Please visit Zika in Texas to obtain additional information for the state of Texas. Zika is a virus that is primarily spread through mosquito bites. Transmission may also be spread from mother to child during pregnancy. Spread of the of the virus through blood transfusion and sexual contact have also been reported.

Most people infected with the virus generally display mild or no symptoms. Those that develop symptoms may display mild illness that can last several days or up to several weeks. The most common symptoms of the Zika virus are fever, rash, joint pain, and conjunctivitis (red eyes).

Pregnant woman or woman that may become pregnant should be cautious in active Zika areas. The virus has been linked to the birth defect microcephaly, a condition where a baby's head is much smaller than expected and may cause developmental delays.

Most cases in Texas are related to people infected through mosquito bites while traveling to areas where Zika is being spread. Travel guidance is available through the Center for Disease Control (CDC) website.

Questions about testing for the Zika virus? Additional information is available on the CDC's Testing for the Zika Virus site and/or please visit: Zika in Texas for the most current information available on Zika testing procedures.